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Br J Ophthalmol 2009;93:759-764 doi:10.1136/bjo.2008.145862
  • Clinical science
    • Original Article

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and late geographic hyperfluorescence on indocyanine green angiography

  1. S W Kang,
  2. S E Chung,
  3. W J Shin,
  4. J-H Lee
  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  1. Dr S W Kang, Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-ku, Seoul, 135-710, Republic of Korea; swkang{at}skku.edu
  • Accepted 4 January 2009
  • Published Online First 19 March 2009

Abstract

Background/aims: To report the clinical significance of late geographic hyperfluorescence (LGH) on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in cases of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods: The medical records of 43 eyes with PCV, all of which had undergone at least 12 months of follow-up, 40 eyes with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 20 eyes of age-matched normal subjects were retrospectively analysed. The incidence of LGH, defined as a well-demarcated geographic hyperfluorescent lesion on late phase ICGA, was compared in each respective group. The natural course of the LGH and its changes after photodynamic therapy (PDT) were analysed.

Results: LGH was noted in all of the eyes with PCV, whereas LGH was noted in three eyes (7.5%) of the eyes with exudative AMD and was not noted in any of the normal subjects (p<0.01). Of the 27 eyes (62.8%) with PCV, LGH was matched to the total area of the branching vascular network and polyps. The extent of LGH was enlarged over time in approximately one-half of the cases. As compared with the eyes demonstrating persistent LGH after PDT, the eyes with fading or disappearing LGH evidenced a lower recurrence of active PCV (p<0.05).

Conclusion: LGH is a highly sensitive and specific ICGA finding for the diagnosis of PCV. Increased surveillance should be implemented in eyes in which LGH persists after PDT.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

  • Patient consent: Obtained.

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